General Information

Location

Trieste is located in the north-eastern corner of Italy, approximately 120 kms east of Venice. It has been a cultural crossroads for centuries and this is reflected in its people, its customs and its cuisine. It is a major port and is dramatically situated between the sea and the impressive Karst plateau.

Its past history can still be seen in the Roman ruins, San Giusto Castle and the Roman Theatre. Memories and images of the past live on in the streets, from the narrow alleys that wind through the old city centre with their picturesque houses and ruined walls to the wide central streets which cross the new part of town with its elegant neo-classical buildings.

Trieste is also the "coffee capital" of Europe, and this is reflected in its many elegant and historic cafes, often the venue for musical or poetry recitals. Cultural heterogeneity is also reflected in its bars selling both good beers and the famous local "Colli Orientali" and Carso wines.

On the outskirts of the town a promenade called Riviera di Barcola runs along the coast, below the lighthouse, to Miramare Castle. International regattas take place throughout the year and the seafront attracts swimmers in the summer. The Miramare Castle and Gardens was built between 1856 and 1860 for Maximilian of Hapsburg, briefly Emperor of Mexico.

Tourism after the Meeting

Among the various and interesting places close to Trieste, a visit could be made to Grado, a seaside resort with a charming old town. Nearby Aquileia has a magnificent basilica with 2nd century mosaic floors, and the remains of a Roman town are displayed well in the Museum. Aquileia has the dubious honour of having been the last town to be destroyed by Attila the Hun before he returned to the Steppes!

Across the border in Slovenia there are some magnificent caves to be visited, as well as the Lipica stud farm and park, where the famous white Lipizzaner horses are bred.